Welcome to House*Tweaking’s first ever S.M.I.L.F. Week!  What’s that?  You don’t know what a S.M.I.L.F. is?  Well, it’s a stylish mama I‘d like to friend, of course.  And I’ve got a long list of them. They are blogging mamas with incredible style, great senses of humor, inspirational blogs, cute kiddos and beautiful outlooks on home life and beyond.  In honor of the impending Mother’s Day holiday, I asked some of my favorite S.M.I.L.F.’s to answer a few questions related to design, kids, and life in general.  I’ll be sharing their answers with you throughout the week.  I know with kids AND work AND house projects AND blogs these women are busy bees, so I’m very grateful to them for taking the time to participate in my nosy little interview.  Thank you, S.M.I.L.F.’s!

Kirsten from Simply Grove

Kirsten writes the blog Simply Grove and her style is to. die. for.  She can style a vignette like nobody’s business!  She has an uncanny ability to mix vintage with modern.  Although her home’s pallete is mostly neutral {grays, whites, blacks, browns}, Kirsten has a way of adding contrast, warmth and texture to keep the space feeling totally comfy and livable.  And it seems her kiddos have picked up on her design sense. They contribute their design picks regularly over on Kirsten’s blog.

H*T – What do you do for a living, where do you live, and who all lives in your home?

Kirsten – My name is Kirsten Grove and I am an Interior Stylist/ Decorator/ Blogger.  I live right outside of Boise, Idaho with my husband, 2 kids and dog, Bear.  My son just turned 6 and my daughter will turn 5 next month.

H*T – What’s your #1 piece of advice for mixing kids and style together successfully under one roof?

Kirsten – Don’t take your home seriously.  Meaning, if you are going to have little ones running around, keep your space light hearted and fun.  With that, it can still be a beautiful space!  My friends always comment on how homey my homes have been but how stylish they stay, in the midst of chaos.

H*T – What’s been your biggest surprise since becoming a mom?

Kristen – How little you start thinking about yourself.  You realize that before children, life was wrapped up around you you you.  After having my kids, I noticed that my stupid little temper tantrums about petty issues grew less and less.

H*T – What do you and your hubby do to keep the spark alive?

Kirsten – We try and have one date night a week.  Now that doesn’t always happen but it is our weekly goal that we try and maintain.  We also alternate who plans the date and who gets the sitter.  Traveling alone can also keep sparks going!

H*T – What’s your favorite activity to do at home with your kid(s)?

Kirsten – We all love to cook and eat together!  My daughter will want to help in the kitchen while my son gives his 2 cents on what foods look good.

H*T – What’s your favorite time of day and why?

Kirsten – I love the evenings.  Its nice to wind down after a busy day, sit on the couch with the family and just talk.  We all have alot to say!!

H*T – What home-related items would make it onto your Mother’s Day wish list if money wasn’t a concern?

Kirsten – I really need a sideboard for our dining room.  I recently saw a cork sideboard that looks totally cool and modern.  The price tag isn’t that cool but if money wasn’t an option, I would bring that baby home!!!

Thanks, Kirsten!  You can see Kirsten’s amazing home here.

Thanks to all my S.M.I.L.F.’s for inspiring me and motivating me every day and for finding a few minutes out of their hectic schedules to answer my questions.  Happy Mother’s Day to all you mamas out there. Have a very stylish weekend!

image:  yanphoto.com via Kirsten Grove